You know you should eat healthier, but the thought of spending hours in the kitchen chopping, sautéing, and simmering makes you want to order takeout instead.
If you’re one of those people who really hates cooking—whether it’s because you’re too busy, too tired, or just don’t feel like dealing with the mess—you’re not alone.
So what if I say you can enjoy nutritious, home-cooked meals that take 15 minutes or less, without any fancy equipment or weird ingredients.
Ready for some easy ideas?
12 Healthy Recipes for People Who Hate Cooking
Here are 12 healthy recipes that anyone, even those who aren’t fans of cooking, can whip up in no time!
1. Avocado Toast with a Twist
Ah, avocado toast. The poster child of healthy eating, but it can be so much more than just smashed avocado on bread.
For something a little extra, why not top your toast with an egg? The protein will keep you fuller longer, and it’s so easy.
What You Need:
- Whole grain or gluten-free bread (your choice)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 egg
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional)
How to Make It:
- Toast your bread to your liking.
- While it’s toasting, mash the avocado with a fork, adding a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Fry your egg however you like—scrambled, sunny-side up, or poached (really, it’s up to you).
- Spread the mashed avocado on the toast, top with the egg, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Pro Tip: If you’re in a rush, skip the egg and just go with avocado, salt, pepper, and maybe a squeeze of lemon juice.
2. One-Pan Roasted Veggies and Chicken
Okay, this one is perfect if you’re sick of dealing with multiple pans, chopping, and the many steps involved in a normal dinner. One pan. That’s it.
What You Need:
- 2 chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer)
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika (optional)
How to Make It:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a baking sheet, toss your veggies with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Arrange the chicken on the pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
Pro Tip: You can prep the veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a couple of days. Makes dinner even faster!
3. Greek Yogurt Parfait
Need something healthy, quick, and delicious? A Greek yogurt parfait is perfect for breakfast or a snack. Plus, it’s so customizable, so you can add whatever fruits or toppings you have on hand.
What You Need:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or flavored if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup granola
- A handful of fresh berries or sliced banana
- A drizzle of honey (optional)
How to Make It:
- Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and fruit in a glass or bowl.
- Top with a drizzle of honey if you want a bit of sweetness.
- Enjoy!
Pro Tip: Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for some extra fiber and omega-3s.
4. 5-Minute Hummus and Veggie Wrap
Not in the mood to cook anything? No problem! This wrap is easy, healthy, and requires little to no effort.
What You Need:
- Whole wheat wrap or tortilla
- 2 tablespoons of hummus
- A handful of mixed greens (spinach, arugula, etc.)
- Sliced cucumber, bell peppers, and avocado
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Spread hummus on the wrap.
- Layer on the greens, veggies, and avocado.
- Season with a little salt and pepper.
- Roll it up, slice it, and you’re done.
Pro Tip: You can use store-bought hummus or make your own if you have a bit more time (but store-bought works just fine).
5. One-Minute Oatmeal
You’re probably thinking, “Oatmeal? How’s that healthy and quick?” Well, let me tell you, oatmeal doesn’t have to take 30 minutes.
You can make a healthy bowl of oatmeal in about a minute using the microwave.
What You Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup water or almond milk
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- A handful of berries or sliced banana
How to Make It:
- Combine oats and water (or almond milk) in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave for about 1 minute.
- Stir in chia seeds, top with fruit, and you’re good to go.
Pro Tip: Make it savory by adding a fried egg on top instead of fruit. Add salt, pepper, and a little hot sauce for a quick breakfast that’s a bit out of the ordinary.
6. Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps
Sometimes you just need something light, but filling. Egg salad wrapped in lettuce leaves is a perfect choice for this. It’s low-carb, satisfying, and can be made in less than 10 minutes.
What You Need:
- 2 boiled eggs
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt (or mayo, if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
- 4-5 large lettuce leaves
How to Make It:
- Boil the eggs and peel them.
- Mash the eggs with Greek yogurt, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the egg salad into lettuce leaves and wrap them up.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have boiled eggs on hand, you can quickly cook eggs on the stove. But boiling ahead of time works great for meal prep!
7. Smoothie Bowl
A smoothie bowl is just a thicker version of your usual smoothie, and it’s often more filling because you can top it with things like granola and seeds.
What You Need:
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup frozen berries
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- Toppings like granola, chia seeds, and coconut flakes
How to Make It:
- Blend the banana, berries, and almond milk until smooth (add more milk if needed to reach your desired thickness).
- Pour into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tip: Throw in a scoop of protein powder if you want to make it more filling for breakfast or a post-workout snack.
8. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
If you’re trying to reduce carbs or just want something quick and light, zucchini noodles are a game changer. You don’t need a fancy spiralizer either—just use a vegetable peeler.
What You Need:
- 2 zucchinis
- 2 tablespoons store-bought pesto (or homemade if you feel fancy)
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
- Use a vegetable peeler or spiralizer to turn the zucchini into noodles.
- Toss the zucchini noodles with pesto and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately!
Pro Tip: Sauté the zucchini noodles in a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes if you prefer them a bit softer.
9. Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus
This is a fantastic go-to dinner when you don’t want to deal with a lot of steps. Everything cooks on one sheet pan, and salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega-3s.
What You Need:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder
How to Make It:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the salmon and asparagus on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
Pro Tip: You can swap the asparagus for any veggies you have on hand—broccoli, green beans, or even sweet potatoes work great.
10. Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas
For a light, protein-packed salad, try quinoa mixed with chickpeas and a tangy vinaigrette. This one’s perfect for meal prep, and it’s great as a side or a main dish.
What You Need:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- Lemon vinaigrette (or your favorite dressing)
How to Make It:
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- Once cooled, mix quinoa with chickpeas, cucumber, and feta.
- Drizzle with your favorite dressing and enjoy!
Pro Tip: If you want to make this more filling, add some grilled chicken or a hard-boiled egg on top.
11. Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowls
This is an excellent vegetarian meal that’s full of fiber and packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s easy to make and stores well in the fridge.
What You Need:
- 1 sweet potato, cubed
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- Olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper
- Greek yogurt for topping (optional)
How to Make It:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil and seasonings, then roast for 20 minutes.
- Add the black beans to the pan and roast for another 5-10 minutes.
- Serve in a bowl and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt if you like.
Pro Tip: You can prep the sweet potatoes and beans ahead of time for even quicker meals.
12. Chia Pudding
This is the ultimate no-cook breakfast or snack. Just mix, refrigerate, and enjoy! It’s a fantastic source of fiber and healthy fats, and you can customize it however you like.
What You Need:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sweetener to taste (like honey or maple syrup)
- Toppings: fresh berries, nuts, or granola
How to Make It:
- Mix chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla extract, and sweetener in a jar.
- Let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Top with your favorite toppings before serving.
Pro Tip: You can make a big batch of chia pudding for a few days’ worth of snacks or breakfasts. Just keep it in the fridge!
Conclusion
Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean hours spent in the kitchen or complicated recipes that leave you exhausted.
With these 12 simple, quick, and nutritious recipes, anyone—even those who aren’t big fans of cooking—can enjoy home-cooked meals without the hassle.
So, next time if you’re tempted to reach for takeout, give one of these recipes a try.
